The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, has clarified that it is unlawful to deny police officers entry into or exit from one’s residence.
Edafe made this statement via a post on X while addressing a viral video showing a group of young men preventing individuals dressed as police officers from entering their property.
In the footage, the men, claiming to be content creators and not internet fraudsters, expressed unease over the armed individuals wearing masks.
One of the masked men fired a warning shot, while another gained access to the property by climbing over the fence.
Acknowledging that the use of masks is prohibited in the Nigeria Police Force, Edafe emphasized that blocking police officers from entering or exiting a building is a punishable offence.
Edafe wrote, “Wearing a mask as a policeman is a red flag and its not allowed in Policing. However we all should stop thinking that it is right to lock the police either outside or inside, that’s another offense on its own.”
Edafe also questioned the group’s insistence on not being internet fraudsters, pointing out that the police had not made any such allegations.
“That incident cant be defended simply because the policemen were on masked. We are waiting for information to know where it transpired so that proper investigation will be carries out.
“But why did they say they are not yahoo boys but content creators even though the Police never asked them any questions? Just asking though,” he further added.